Liam Cameron finally called it out over a tweet. Seeking a rematch with Ben Whittaker, the Sheffield-born boxer termed their Saturday night showdown an ‘unfinished business’. Most of those who saw the fight felt that Cameron had a win under his belt. But the unexpected accident and Whitaker’s discontinuance denied him a much-needed victory that was so personal to him.

The pair fought on the Artur Beterbiev–Dmitry Bivol card. The headliner was in everyone’s mind. But the drama that unfolded in the undercard for Whittaker’s IBF international title has since become a talking point in several circles, especially considering the kind of reputation that Whittaker carries. However, many felt that Liam Cameron, who made a remarkable comeback to the ring following a significant layoff and controversy, lost a significant opportunity.

The fall of the mighty

‘Boxing Social’ reached out to Sam Jones for his thoughts on the whole Riyadh Season card at the Kingdom Arena. Speaking from the comfort of his car, the boxing agent revealed how the unexpected outcome of the Whitaker-Cameron fight left him heartbroken.

During the fifth round, both boxers got into a fight. Entangled, they didn’t realize and walked towards the ropes. It didn’t take much time before both went tumbling over the ropes. Footage showed both Cameron and Whittaker lying over the ring apron. Especially the latter appeared writhing in pain.

He received medical attention, but it appeared that Whittaker had suffered injuries on his right leg. Later, he was taken to the nearby hospital for further medical care. Under British Boxing Board of Control (BBBoC) regulations, the fight went to scorecard. Two of the judges scored 58-57, 58-57 each for Cameron and Whittaker. The third saw it as a draw, 58-58. The fight was declared a split decision technical draw.

“It’s just a bit I’m gutted for Liam Cameron,” said Sam Jones. As the rounds progressed, like many, he felt that the fight was gradually leaning in favor of Liam Cameron. Unlike the Sheffield-born fighter, Ben Whittaker appeared quite deconditioned. Even though the unbeaten prospect threw some powerful shots, they appeared ‘bouncing off Liam Cameron’s head’.

Robbed of something special

“But I’m gutted for him,” Jones reiterated and added, “because I believe a stunning win was kind of taken away from him last night.” Including himself, everyone may laud Liam Cameron for the fight he put up and encourage him with hopes of another opportunity. But one shouldn’t overlook how the match might have unfolded had it gone a few more rounds, pointed out Sam Jones.

One could only imagine what might have happened had Liam Cameron stopped Ben Whitaker. Considering the kind of following the Olympic silver medalist-born commands, it’s anyone’s guess how a victory would have catapulted Cameron’s career to the next level, including a hefty paycheck. Sam Jones said, “That moment was kind of taken from him, Liam Cameron, yesterday, and that if Liam Cameron had, that would have happened. I know I’m like, I’m waffling here, but if that would have happened for Liam Cameron, his next pay packet is huge.”

Do you agree with what Sam Jones and many others have said about the Cameron-Whittaker fight? Do you feel ‘Cannonball’ could off an upset on Saturday night?